Dog Consciousness

A Lesson of Love and Dog Ownership

Every family dog has an origin story, but Saint’s first year of life was a tragedy.

Saint on his first car ride home from the rescue farm

My German shepherd Saint was first acquired from a breeder by a meth addict in a drug deal. He sustained Saint on food from the dollar store, chained him to a tree, and beat him for barking. His visiting daughter rescued Saint, but couldn’t keep him in her small apartment, so she brought him to my sister’s farm and asked her to help find him a home. That’s where I come in.

I’ve never owned a dog in my life. I couldn’t believe a beautiful, sweet dog such as he was having such a hard time finding a home. 20 minutes later, we were saying goodbye to the party early, driving him home with half a bag of kibble and hearts full of love.

During his first few days in the house, I was stupefied: I couldn’t believe he was only 1 year old. “This is the start of a Clifford movie. This is no puppy - This is a monster.” 

But all the reasons why I thought owning a dog was stupid became miniscule. Allergies, huge poops, hair, burden of responsibility, travel restrictions - All the reasons and more why we shouldn’t bring him home. These melted away in the kindling furnace of my love for this abused creature who had nothing to offer me but love in return.

Saint’s 15 months old and 75 pounds, but you can tell he’s having his first experiences and encounters with the outside world. They said he lived on a tree, then an apartment bathroom, then a crate next to two barking dogs.

He was awkward at first. No German shepherd puppy should act like a self-conscious house guest. His demeanor was like an orphan brought into a warm home and loving family for the first time.

Tail down, no barking, no play drive. Now he sleeps comfortably indoors. He lays on the couch with his toys. I kiss his hands and feet.

My dad asked me as politely as he could muster: “So what made you take that dog from your sister’s?” I wanted to reply with all the reasons Meghan and I talked about wanting a pet. But all I could respond was: “Love, dad. I saw a creature needing a positive experience of life, and I felt compassion for him.”

Compassion is a strength, not a weakness. Love is a responsibility, not a burden. The rewards are tangible and immediate, but not visible from the outside looking in.

Saint’s first snow experience… He went wild for it! ❄️

Since adopting Saint, I have a 100% morning walk and evening jog rate. I have continuous dog petting sessions in between Zoom meetings, which is a huge mood booster. And my non-verbal communication skills have elevated through the roof.

I actually pitied dog owners before I met Saint. I couldn’t stand to think of my back windows covered in dog drool. Hair on my clothes and furniture. Incessant barking at the door. Now people look at us walking down the street and I couldn’t care less whether they’re critical or amicable.

Saint’s first camping trip (Sierra National Forest)

That’s how people come to identify with dog ownership so much: Because non-dog owners simply can’t experience the benefits that come with such a fluffy obligation.

That was me until a week ago. I’m repaid in happiness every time he brings me the ball while I’m working, or plops his head in my lap for a nap on the couch, or when people on the street say “I love your dog!” Even the pride I take in his obedience and public behavior. All dogs are therapy dogs.

I’m learning a lesson on love and dog ownership. The reward is a fortitude of daily rituals and positive emotions. And Saint is getting a 2nd chance at a life of love and significance from a responsible master.

You can't train a dog without the dog training you back. Love is our responsibility, and the rewards are tangible, though maybe not from the outside looking in. 

Saint’s first family photo c:

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Ready to level up your own daily rituals? Check out my upcoming daily meditation practice instructional “Boring-Proof Meditation”: (Self-paced instructional course - Release date May 24th):

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Special thanks for help editing this essay: Chris Wong, Vincent Tam, and CansaFis Foote!